Is a VPN Necessary?

Is a VPN Necessary? And What does it Do? 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a cybersecurity tool that reroutes your internet connection usually through an encrypted server.  

Normally your internet connection goes from your device to a router to the internet as a whole and then to a server and then back to your router and then your device. A VPN adds an extra step in between your router and the internet. Basically, it acts like a protected tunnel that you funnel your internet activity through.  

This mostly protects your data from your own internet service provider and from advertisers. Essentially, when your VPN is active it makes it hard to actually tell who you are while online, but they’re not bulletproof. They do nothing to protect you from cookies, your digital fingerprint, or well, yourself.  

VPNs also often have additional features, like file scanning, high encryption, location spoofing, and a lot more. Usually, if you’re paying for a VPN, these bonuses are often advertised as the real value.  

So are they necessary? 

The short answer is, no. They can be nice to have. You will most likely get less targeted advertisements. You will be able to watch content that normally isn’t available in your country. And, you will be giving less of your data away to big businesses that are probably using it for profit. 

There are some parts of a VPN that are a “nice to have,” but they are rarely necessary.  

 

Aura  

If you are interested in a VPN, you might be interested in Aura. Aura is our identity theft insurance that protects you in case your identity is stolen. It also offers tons of cyber security bonuses to help keep you safe online.  

Aura protects you by searching for your data and taking it off the internet, usually by scouring the dark web for data brokers who have your data. It also offers antivirus software, fraud monitoring, credit score alerts, and a VPN!  

So if you want a VPN, you can always sign up for aura and get a ton of other benefits too.  

Learn more by clicking here: https://www.sdpeba.org/benefits/active/aura/ultimate-plan  

And if you have any questions about aura, call us at 888-315-8027 or email [email protected].